The Premier League returns after a round of FA Cup fixtures, and as it enters the final stages of the competition, the fight for Europe is sure to intensify, with Liverpool having sealed top spot and the trophy. Arsenal won their first game after the restart of the league and will look to continue their form against Norwich City, and the same can be said about Manchester United, who beat Sheffield United last time around.
As the Premier League enters the business end of the tournament, the competition for points in the fantasy league is up for grabs as well; especially for the Nostragamus fantasy managers. On this note, let's have a look at the potential high-pointers for the upcoming gameweek:
Player: Mohamed Salah
Team: Liverpool
Match: Manchester City vs Liverpool
The Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah became the first Egyptian to win the Premier League this season. He was at his lethal self this season again, and has scored 17 goals in 27 appearances this season while getting seven assists as well. Salah scored against City in their previous meeting in November as well, while scoring twice in both of Liverpool’s wins against Manchester City in their last five fixtures. After finally securing the trophy, Salah will be key in proving Liverpool are worthy champions in the first of their seven remaining matches.
Player: Christian Pulisic
Team: Chelsea
Match: West Ham vs Chelsea
Christian Pulisic was an immediate first choice in the Chelsea lineup since joining the club after shining at Borussia Dortmund. The US International was subpar when the season began, but had seemingly hit a decent patch of form before suffering a tear in his abductor muscle on New Year's Day. He has returned strong, helping Frank Lampard to two consecutive wins, while scoring crucial goals as well. West Ham are battling relegation, having lost their two games since the restart, and a win for Chelsea would take them to third depending on the Everton vs Leicester City result.
Player: Anthony Martial
Team: Manchester United
Match: Brighton vs Manchester United
Anthony Martial became the first player since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson to score a hat-trick in the Premier League. The striker scored the treble against Sheffield, and has a good record against Brighton, having assisted two goals in their last meeting at home. The Frenchman would want to get an early goal, keeping in mind that United have failed to win away to Brighton in their last five matches. The Seagulls have managed to stay afloat with a shock late win over Arsenal and a draw to Leicester, which took them to 15th on the table.
Player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Team: Arsenal
Match: Arsenal vs Norwich
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been key to Arsenal’s dismal season, having rescued the North London club on many occasions. He is second on the Golden Boot table, and edges Jamie Vardy to this spot because of his form against the bottom six clubs. He has nine goals against the bottom six this season and will look to add more teeth to the team against the bottom-placed Norwich City. With Aubameyang still chasing his 50th Premier League goal, we can expect the Gabonese striker to fire some in.
Player: Kevin de Bruyne
Team: Manchester City
Match: Manchester City vs Liverpool
Kevin de Bruyne has been a key to Pep Guardiola’s side this season as well, but could not help his side retain the trophy for the third season. He has been at his usual best since the restart, and this could be seen with a pitch-perfect free-kick he scored to equalize against Chelsea. Having scored ten goals and 16 assists this season, he will be looking to take advantage of any complacency on Liverpool’s part, with the latter having sealed the Premier League trophy. Manchester City’s only hope for redemption is to reduce the deficit between their opponents and Kevin de Bruyne will hope to take leadership of their resurgence.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Mike Hewitt
